Monday, January 31, 2011

Belgium – Much more than just chocolates

Popular for chocolates the world over, Belgium is also quite a phenomenal tourist destination, and has an enviable list of attractions to lure tourists to visit again and again.

Brussels: Brussels is indeed the city with a split personality – there is a friendly air of conflict, with French versus Flemish, modern versus historic and unique versus monotonous. There are striking contrasts in this multicultural environment, and the capital of Belgium serves up a heady concoction that is unforgettable for all kinds of tourists. There is fine dining as well as café culture, Art Nouveau architecture as well as the surreal element in art. One can just relax on a chair and relax with the locals, buy dried caterpillars in Matonge, and indulge in similar frivolous as well as entertaining activities. The quality of everyday life too, is fantastic, with great shopping, sumptuous food, the world famous chocolates and a rocking pub culture. Interestingly, Brussels was not seen as a hot spot for tourists in the early days, but around a decade back in 2000, when it got the title of the cultural capital of Europe, was when its journey to fame began, and still continues till date.

Antwerp: A city that has been referred to by The New York Times as one of Europe's most happening places has to be really good. Welcome to Antwerp, a destination loved by art aficionados as well as club hoppers. Belgium's second largest city has an old city centre that has been built around the most impressive cathedral in the country, and still retains its old world charm. The cobblestone lanes and backstreets house thousands of antique shops, restaurants, bars, art galleries, chocolate shops, diamond stores and designer boutiques. In its essence, the whole city is actually an architectural museum, where a creation of every period is, right from the medieval riverside fortress to modern waterfront creations and the ever-popular Cogels-Osylei. One can also notice signs of Gothic and Flemish baroque architecture, since the city was the home of Pieter Paul Rubens, northern Europe’s greatest baroque artist. One can also visit his residence, and know details of his personal life, and also get information on which churches and museums have his works. The city is a haven for shoppers, and has numerous designer brands setting up shop.

Bruges: Many might have the initial impression of this city as very overcrowded and much alike any other quintessential European destination, but the fact of the matter is, Bruges, despite its pseudo-fakeness, is Belgium's most popular city. Being one of Western Europe's most visited medieval cities, Bruges has stunning market squares, whitewashed almshouses and canals that make one feel as if he/she is in a time warp. However, all this has been made possible due to constant renovation time and time again. A majority of the architecture is only a couple of centuries old, and one can enjoy the city best during the evening and late night hours, when it comes to life on all fronts.

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